Knights Prey on Sea Eagles

The Knights – Sea Eagles rivalry reignites this Friday night when the Novocastrian hunt for a home ground semi-final continues at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

Teenage Five-Eighth, Jarrod Mullen will reunite with Andrew Johns at the scrum base, after a week off with a bruised sternum and Kurt Gidley is set to make his long awaited return from a lengthy spell on the sideline.

"Jarrod and Kurt are both quality players and it's great to have them back for the serious end of the season," said Knights Coach, Michael Hagan.

Hagan announced an 18 man squad today, naming Josh Perry and Adam Woolnough in the front row and back rower Kirk Reynoldson at lock.

Reynoldson returns from a week on the sideline after sustaining a knee injury against the Sharks at Toyota Park, while Reegan Tanner moves to the Interchange alongside Luke Davico, Gidley and Todd Lowrie.

Veteran prop, Craig Smith will miss his first game since joining the Knights last year after suffering a broken jaw at BlueTongue Stadium in the Knights win against the Roosters. He's expected to be out for at least three weeks.

"We're all feeling for Craig at the moment, he was looking forward to playing his farewell match in Newcastle against Penrith so there's added incentive for us to get a home semi-final," said Hagan.

Ticket sales are extremely strong with Corporate areas selling fast. At midday today, only 9,000 grandstand and general admission tickets were still available.

"Manly is traditionally our most popular game of the season and sales already suggest a bumper crowd," Knights CEO, Ken Conway said.

"Friday nights always draw a late rush so we're encouraging supporters to pre-purchase tickets ahead of game day to avoid lining up on the night."